Feeding Schedule and amounts- ???'s

[Mary and Sumo]

Good Morning and Happy New Year!
I was hoping to get some advice on feeding times and amounts. Sumo had always been a "grazer" and would eat and nibble throughout the day. But recently he has become a Hoover and will not only eat his food, but bump his civies from their bowls and scarf whats left. Up until recently I had been feeding him at preshot, and then leave more wet when I left for work. Sometimes there would still be food left in the bowl when I arrived back home 8 or 9 hours later. But now when I put food down he runs to the bowl and eats ALL of it before I even get out the door! I want to have a schedule for him so that I can control his amount and also help even out his glucose numbers mid cycle. I will go out today and look at automatic feeders, but I don't know much about these. At what times would I have the feeder "open up" to dispense food ?
Thanks alot, Mary

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

The automatic feeders come in a couple of different styles. Some have 2 compartments, others have 5 compartments. So, how often you feed may depend on which style of feeder you buy.

I feed Gabby at pre-shot, +1, +2, and +3. I divide up her food for the cycle into roughly equal portions. I do so because she's prone to early dives. In general, frequent small meals, usually provided before nadir, can be helpful. That way, you're not over taxing a healing pancreas. There's no "right" way to feed. It's largely a trial and error process. You try a method and see if your cat has a good response over the course of a week or two compared to what you've been doing.

 

[Dyana]

I think my cat's nadir (the lowest point) is about +8.5, and my cat's onset (when the insulin begins to take effect) is at +4. I am using Levemir, so it's a bit different than Lantus, in that Levemir generally has a later onset and nadir than Lantus does.
I have a two compartment feeder and set it to go off at +5 and at +7. I also leave out frozen Fancy Feast in separate dishes. I am gone for 10 1/2 hours and arrive home at PMPS. So, I haven't a clue when my cat ate last. Normally, there is still uneaten food left when I get home from work. I have 2 cats, so leave out extra just in case.
It's probably not the best scenario, but that's what I do.

 

[julie & punkin (ga)]

you might try leaving out the frozen "pucks" of cat food. mix a can with water then freeze it in a plastic dish or in ice cube trays. in theory, as the puck thaws the cat will eat the food. i haven't tried it but i know some people use that method.

 

[Roni and Moonie]

I use the Cat Mate 2 section feeder... Because Moonie is on lantus, her nadir is at about +5-+6, and the lantus takes effect for her at about +3, so I set mine at +3 and +5 when I will be out for the day.
I free feed her because I always have & because I was taught that a diabetic cat should always have some food available, when I first came here..
Many here do the timed feedings, but some cannot because of their lifestyle..
Looks like he had a +5 or +6 nadir when lantus was begun, but now has a later nadir of like +10!--
So maybe you should get the 5 section feeder, and just experiment as Sienne has suggested.
Either way, Sumo is doing well--Have a great New Year--Husg from us!!